National Park Authorities present young oaks to young farmers

The Bannau Brycheiniog, Pembrokeshire Coast and Snowdonia National Park Authorities have joined together with Tilhill Forestry to donate an oak sapling to every member of the Wales Federation of Young Farmers Clubs (Wales YFC), to mark the organisation’s 80th anniversary.
Traditionally, an 80th anniversary is symbolised by the mighty oak and as it provides a habitat rich in biodiversity, it was seen as the ideal gift to mark this significant milestone in the history of the largest rural youth organisation in Wales.
Rhys Owen, Head of Conservation, Woodlands & Agriculture for Snowdonia National Park Authority said: “It is with great pleasure that we are able to help mark this significant anniversary, as Wales YFC plays such an important and leading role In the lives of many young people across the country.
“Oak trees are important to the Welsh landscape and habitat and this donation will see the enhancement of both for many years to come.”
The saplings, which have been sourced from Tilhill Forestry, are all native trees from regional stock suitable to Wales.
To commemorate this anniversary donation, a ceremonial oak tree was planted at the Royal Agricultural Show Ground in Llanelwedd during the Royal Welsh Winter Fair.
Iwan Lloyd-Williams, Tilhill’s Regional Manager said: “Tilhill, in conjunction with the National Parks are happy to support Wales YFC to celebrate its 80th Birthday.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to support the organisation by planting trees and promoting forestry as a viable option for diversification which also enhances biodiversity.”
Nia Lloyd, Director of YFC Cymru said: “Wales YFC would like to thank the National Park Authorities of Snowdonia, Bannau Brycheiniog and Pembrokeshire Coast along with Tilhill for their support through the donation of an oak tree for every member of the Wales YFC.”
Aled Jones, Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, Assistant Chief Executive added: “We are delighted to support Wales YFC in their 80th anniversary celebrations and the planting of an oak tree on the showground will be a symbolic gesture to highlight the strong ties between young farmers and the Royal Welsh.
“Many of us owe a great debt of gratitude for our personal development to the young farmers’ movement and we are confident it will continue for a further 80 years and more.”
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